President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Team Nigeria to compete with courage, discipline and integrity at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, urging the nation’s athletes to pursue victory through fair competition and make the country proud on the global stage.
The President gave the charge on Thursday during a Presidential Send-off Ceremony at the State House, Abuja, ahead of the team’s departure for the Games. He was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Describing the athletes as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria’s resilience, talent and determination, Tinubu expressed confidence in their ability to deliver outstanding performances while upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship.
Team Nigeria was led to the State House by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, alongside the Commission’s Director-General, Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, and other officials.
“You have trained for this moment. You have sacrificed for this moment. Go to Glasgow with confidence, discipline and unity. Go with patriotism and with the mindset that Nigeria can stand with the very best in the world,” the President said.
Referring to Nigeria’s previous outing at the Commonwealth Games, Tinubu urged the athletes to learn from past mistakes and ensure the country’s image is enhanced through exemplary conduct.
“We must remember that we’re exporting our values, our moral values, our core values as a nation. I know what happened last time in Birmingham, maybe perhaps an error of judgment, and that nothing like that will happen this time around. That experience must be a lesson for all of us,” he added.
The President stressed that success achieved with integrity was more valuable than medals won through unfair means, urging every member of the contingent to uphold the principles of clean sport.
“I want you to compete with courage, honour and integrity. Win clean. Let every medal you earn reflect your commitment, your dedication and the values that define our great nation. Winning is important, but winning clean is more important. Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless,” he said.
Tinubu further charged the athletes to remain united, resist any attempt to compromise their integrity and allow their performances to be driven by talent, discipline, hard work and the Nigerian fighting spirit.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports development, the President highlighted measures taken to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-doping framework, including signing the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law and inaugurating the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre.
According to him, the reforms provide a stronger legal and institutional framework for clean sports, athlete protection and compliance with international standards.
“We are determined as a country to build a sports system where our athletes can succeed without suspicion, where our victories are respected, and where Nigeria is known not only for talent, but also for discipline, integrity and excellence,” he said.
Tinubu assured Team Nigeria of the full support and prayers of the Federal Government and Nigerians throughout the competition, expressing optimism that the country could surpass its best-ever Commonwealth Games performance.
“Our target is clear. We want Team Nigeria to surpass its best-ever Commonwealth Games performance. I have every confidence that you possess the talent, determination and character to achieve this historic feat,” he stated.
Earlier, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko thanked the President for approving the presidential send-off and commended his administration for giving unprecedented attention to sports development.
He said the Renewed Hope Initiative had repositioned sports as a catalyst for youth development, economic growth, national unity, investment, sports diplomacy and global visibility.
Dikko also praised Tinubu for signing the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law, describing the inauguration of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre’s board as further evidence of the administration’s resolve to protect athletes and preserve Nigeria’s international sporting reputation.
Also speaking, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said the President’s reforms had boosted private-sector confidence in Nigerian sports, noting that improved performances at the Commonwealth Games could unlock historic sponsorship opportunities.
He disclosed that global sportswear giant PUMA had challenged Team Nigeria to excel, expressing confidence that the athletes would justify the growing investment in the sector.
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Team Nigeria captain Oluwafemi Ayo Folashade pledged that the contingent would represent the country with honour and restore its sporting prestige.
The 72-member Nigerian contingent will compete in 10 sports at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with officials expressing confidence that the team will return with a record medal haul while upholding the values of discipline, fairness and excellence.
